Chameleon Holidays & Travel for Safaris & Vacations in Africa | Southern Africa | South Africa | Places Of Interest In South Africa

South Africa has a huge amount of attractions - the cities are varied with plenty of interests, not forgetting some fabulous game parks, cultural aspects etc etc. This page is simply to give a little bit of information.  Feel free to write and ask questions or pick up a guide book to read at leisure... there really is so much to do.... Let's not forget 2010 FIFA World Cup (that's football to you and me) so anticipate big crowds during June and July - if you are not visiting SA for the games then we recommend you look at travelling to the country at another time as it will be heaving with people (an estimated 3m are expected!) Or, perhaps visit a neighbouring country if you have only set dates.

Kruger National Park
Kruger is probably the most famous game park in South Africa, it's certainly often referred to as the king of the parks and the game viewing is spectacular.  The park itself is huge - 60kms wide and over 350km long - that's 21,497km sq, however, thanks to the active conservation programmes that have been going on in recent years, fences between the park and private concessions have been removed, as well as the demolishing of the fences between Kruger and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique and Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou to create the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park - a conservation area of 35,000kms sq.  It's home to the "Big 5" and there are few places in Africa that offer such superb game viewing.
Sabi Sand Private Reserve is around 66,000ha site, that encompasses the southern lowland and has some of the greatest diversity of wildlife in Africa. There is no boundary between the reserve and Kruger National Park and the game viewing is spectacular. Experience the wildlife on game drives and guided walks under the guidance of an expert ranger.  World renowned destination, it's not unusual (in fact quite common to see the Big 5) and due to many years of intensive safari action many animals are some of the easiest to track and approach giving fantastic photo opportunities.  Some lodges will allow the opportunity to visit a local village. 

Greater Lucia Wetland Park, Zululand
This is an incredible corner of Africa, in fact so fantastic it is a classified UNESCO World Heritage Area. The Park covers a mosaic of landforms that have created a vast array of biomes to support a very wide variety of animals, plants and birds. We have the highest bird count in all of Africa, the southern-most breeding spots for turtles in Africa, the worlds tallest forested dunes, the largest remaining stands of sand forest, the biggest peat beds in the Southern Hemisphere and vast wetlands.... and all of this runs alongside 220 kilometers of pristine beaches with the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where turtles nest, whales often pass on their way to breed just a little further north in Mozambique and dolphins play in the surf Horseback riding is a very natural way to watch game, being so quiet and peaceful that unless surprised, the game often hardly bothers to move far off as we pass. Game viewing is good all year and on safari we expect to see a wide variety of antelope, kudu, oribi, bushbuck, red and blue duikers, wildebeest, hippopotamus, zebra, crocodiles.  We hope to see black and white rhinoceros, leopard, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, wild dogs and Cape buffalo. This area is world renown for birding and there are many internationally important nesting areas

Cities - South Africa's major cities include -
Pretoria - Pretoria is the political and diplomatic hub of Gauteng province and is situated an hour’s drive north of Johannesburg. The municipality is called Tshwane and for now, the city itself is still Pretoria and the capital city of South Africa. Pretoria is a multicultural city, with a decidedly international flair.  Although Pretoria has a strong Afrikaner flavour, English is used widely here. You can also hear a combination of languages spoken on the streets - anything from south Sotho to Mandarin.  The Union Buildings, the Voortrekker Monument, the University of South Africa and the State Theatre are all architectural attractions that give Pretoria its character. So does Loftus Versfeld, one of the most famous sports stadiums in South Africa.  Worth a visit are the Pretoria Zoo and the Tswaing crater in the Tswaing Nature Reserve, where a meteor slammed into the earth. The National Zoological Gardens - known to the locals simply as "the zoo" - is a fetching stretch of greenery located right in the heart of the city, on the banks of the Apies River.  Poolside barbecues, golf, tennis, fishing, hunting, game viewing, adventure sports (sky diving, micro-light flying) - these are all popular Pretoria entertainment activities. If there is a sport you'd like to pursue, or simply watch or research, chances are one of its main bases is in Pretoria.  The Transvaal Museum in Paul Kruger Street tells of the area's natural history with animal, bird, archaeological and geological displays - 'bones and stones', if you will. The Rietvlei Nature Reserve and Rietvlei Dam is home to small antelope, lovely trees and scenic picnic spots. The Wonderboom Nature Reserve borders the Magaliesburg area and is rich in historical artifacts.  Art lovers who appreciate African and Southern African art should visit the Pretoria Art Museum in Arcadia. The National Cultural History Museum is also rich in expressions of rock art, Ndebele murals and various historic gold and silver artifacts. 

Johannesburg - "Jozi -City of Gold"
In Johannesburg, wining and dining is superb; the championship golf courses are of the highest standard; and there seems to be an ongoing party all day, every day. In addition, the city boasts beautiful natural surroundings, adventure sports and the world’s foremost palaeontological site at Sterkfontein.  Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli to its friends - the city is a vibrant melting pot of humanity that ensures you won’t walk alone when exploring the city’s many cultural and leisure attractions. The City of Gold welcomes you.  The area where Johannesburg stands was once grassland, but is now one of the biggest man-made forests in the world. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden at Kloofendal conserves a piece of the original grassland as well as succulents and ferns. It is home to over 120 bird species, including the only pair of nesting black eagles in Johannesburg. The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens off Thomas Bowler Avenue in Emmarentia is famed for its Rose Garden and numerous waterfowl found in the reed beds of Emmarentia Dam. Cutting through the northern suburbs from the Westdene Dam is the 25 km Braamfontein Spruit, the longest parkland stretch in SA. There are numerous sporting activities like walking trails along the river and adjoining areas, such as Melville Koppies, where an Iron Age village and smelting works are to be found.  Johannesburg, founded in 1886 with the discovery of gold, has had a somewhat turbulent past. Of most interest to the history buff are Newtown, Constitution Hill and Soweto. Mary Fitzgerald Square is also worth a visit in the CBD which includes Museum Africa, the Bensusan Museum of Photography and the Market Theatre in the restored Fresh Produce Market building, as well as the Workers Museum in the revamped Electricity Department Compound and art galleries, craft shops and restaurants.  For contemporary African sounds, try the Bassline in Newtown or head out to one of the funky jazz joints in Soweto. The thriving local music scene caters for all musical tastes. Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, Johannesburg is also the wealthiest and most entertaining city in South Africa’ Gauteng province.

Cape Town
Cape Town is famous for a variety of attractions that stretch from the famous Table Mountain all the way down to the sea. With a rich history, vibrant culture, pearly white beaches, charming fishing villages, colourful floral reserves and numerous adventure activities, Cape Town is worth at least a week of your time in South Africa (if you have the time to spend). The impressive bulk of Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain looms over the city, a silent sentinel to the Mother City's vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, rich history, world-class shopping and entertainment facilities, and friendly citizens.  Visitors to Cape Town can choose from a wide range of accommodation, from award winning Cape Town hotels, to comfortable B&Bs and backpackers. The city is known for its restaurants, which serve delicious fresh seafood, award-winning wines and the Cape’s own distinctive Malay-inspired cuisine.  The city is steeped in history. Highlights include a trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for much of his life; the Castle of Good Hope, built by the early Dutch settlers and expertly restored; and the historic homestead of Constantia. The beautiful surrounds of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, along with the historic streets of the city centre and the many outdoor markets, offer visitors a varied and relaxed shopping environment. As host of the annual Cape Town Jazz Festival, music is a big part of Cape Town’s entertainment scene.  Beaches, one of Cape Town’s attractions, draw sun-seekers and sporting enthusiasts alike. You’ll find clean white sand and sparkling (if somewhat chilly) water as well as activities such as sailing, fishing, whale watching, wind-surfing and kite-boarding. The city offers plenty for adrenalin junkies too, with mountain climbing, abseiling and paragliding operations based in the city. It’s also home to a number of marathon and cycling events. You can enjoy many day trips and weekend getaways from Cape Town, such as tours to the nearby winelands; trips to picturesque seaside villages and fishing harbours; Cape Point, a World Heritage Site where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet; and, last but not least, South Africa’s famed wild flower reserves, home to some of the rarest – and most colourful – plants in the world

Durban - "where east meets west"
Durban offers excellent urban vibes, including a mix of design, art, music and food – peppered with fascinating cultural influences. Even in winter there’s lots to experience, especially with snow-capped mountains, top game reserves, country meanders and loads of other top attractions nearby.  The city is South Africa’s most popular domestic holiday city and it’s easy to see why. It has miles of soft, sandy swimming beaches, great surfing and warm weather all year round. There’s everything from B&Bs to world-class hotels, and you’ll never run out of fun things to do. Head to the ocean for a fishing charter or chill out on a sunset sundowner cruise. Take in the marine life at Ushaka Marine World and burn up some energy at Water World.  The port is the busiest in SA and in the top 10 of the world so you can watch plenty of ships coming and going!  Durban is green all year round, thanks to its subtropical weather. To see the city and coastline at its best, head to La Lucia Ridge, preferably early on a clear morning. Look south to view the beach arcing around Durban’s bay. See a different angle of the same view by looking north from atop the Bluff at the harbour entrance.  Durban is recognised for its well preserved art deco and Victorian architecture, particularly along Victoria Embankment and on the Berea. Many events, cultures and nations have shaped Durban and you’ll find more than a dozen museums that tell its unique story. Go for an early morning walk along which is close to Durban’s main entertainment drag. It has a powerful wavehouse and an indoor climbing wall, which at 23 metres is the highest in the world. Plus, there are fast go-karts and a Tony Hawke-designed skate park. Stroll along the Umhlanga Rocks paved beachfront walkway and you may see dolphins surfing the waves just offshore. Or take to the air as a microlite passenger for a flip along the coast. It's called Durbs or Surf City or “Thekweni”, which means “sea” in Zulu, and that suggests what life’s like here – one long holiday.

Thanks to SA tourism board